About Your Stay

When you arrive at UC Davis Medical Center, whether as a patient or visitor, take satisfaction in knowing that it is one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers with more than 700 specialists trained in over 150 medical fields. The medical center, within the larger UC Davis Health system, and in collaboration with the UC Davis School of Medicine, and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, gives patients with complex medical problems the expertise, skill and care they need.

The UC Davis Medical Center is fully licensed and accredited by the state of California, the federal government and appropriate health-care and academic authorities.

Fast facts:

627 beds

More intensive care beds than any other area hospital

Operates the only Level I (acute) trauma center for inland Northern California

Complete diagnostic and inpatient services

More than 160 internists, family practitioners and pediatricians who provide primary and preventive care

Nine critical-care units

More than 40 outpatient centers

24-hour emergency medical services

UC Davis Medical Center is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our patients, visitors and staff while on the premises. Safety and security are integrated into all aspects of our operations. Uniformed university police and security personnel are on duty throughout the medical center 24 hours a day. If you see or hear anything that concerns you, please notify your nurse immediately.

UC Davis Medical Center delivers exceptional primary, preventive and specialty care because of its collaborative network of highly trained professionals – physicians, nurses, assistants, technicians, pharmacists, therapists and other allied health professionals. As an academic medical center, UC Davis Medical Center stands in front of health-care. Working in a teaching hospital affords these professionals the unique set of variables to be ahead of the newest developments, treatments, discoveries, and technologies. They make progress happen to provide exemplary health care, but also to pass on the knowledge to future medical professionals. UC Davis Medical Center is about cutting the path, setting standards, and venturing into new health-care realms.

Health-care team

As a patient at UC Davis Medical Center, you will benefit from the experience and expertise of a highly specialized health-care team.

Because the medical center is a teaching hospital dedicated to training the next generation of physicians, faculty physicians provide academic instruction to men and women at various stages of their medical training. These individuals may be a part of your team, and your doctor may bring them to your bedside to teach them about the condition you have and medical care that is needed. This process of sharing knowledge, called “rounds,” is a routine part of medical training. You may use “rounds” as an opportunity to learn more about your condition.

The members of your health-care team can be identified by their badges, which always include their name, title and photograph. If you have questions about the role of any member of your health-care team, please speak up. You have the right to know who is taking care of you.

These are some of the team members you will meet during your stay.

Your attending physician

Your attending physician has primary responsibility for overseeing your care. He or she will visit you regularly to discuss your condition, assess your progress and direct the other members of your medical team.

Interns, residents and fellows

Interns, residents and fellows are medical school graduates who are completing additional training in a specific medical or surgical specialty. They may provide care under various levels of attending supervision.

Medical students

Medical students may be involved in your case as part of their clinical training.

Nurses

UC Davis Medical Center patients receive care from highly trained registered nurses, many of whom have advanced degrees and are certified to deliver specialty care. UC Davis uses the primary-care nursing model to provide relationship-based nursing care. You will be assigned a primary nurse who will be responsible for coordinating your care. The medical center has achieved Magnet® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, considered the highest national honor for nursing excellence.

Nurse practitioners

A nurse practitioner may be a part of the medical team caring for you. As part of your treatment team, they can order medications, tests and treatment, and can answer many of your questions regarding your care.

UC Davis uses the primary nursing model to provide relationship-based nursing care. You will be assigned a primary nurse who will be responsible for coordinating your care.

What is primary nursing?Primary nursing is a system that allows us to provide you with individualized and personalized nursing care.

How is my primary nurse different?Your primary nurse is a registered nurse who will be responsible for providing and coordinating your nursing care. We will assign you a primary nurse upon admission, or shortly thereafter.When your primary nurse is not available you will be cared for by an associate nurse. Your primary and associate nurses will work together to ensure that your care needs are met. They work directly with you when on duty.

What does my primary nurse do for me?

Listens to your concerns regarding your health care.

Includes your personal preferences in the plan of care.

Works with you, your family, physicians and other members of your health care team to develop a plan of care that will work best for you.

Coordinates your care throughout your hospital stay. He or she also provides instructions for other nursing staff members caring for you.

Prepares you and your family for discharge by teaching you about your health care needs and resources.

Ask questions about your medications and treatments. It is important for you to know what is being done and why.

Be as independent as possible so you can participate fully in your recovery.

How your family can helpWe welcome and encourage your family's active involvement. Share with us how you would like for them to be included.

Family spokespersonWe encourage you to ask a trusted family member of friend to help with communication during your stay at the hospital. This person may be valuable in keeping your family and friends informed on your progress. Because our staff provide care and attention to many patients at once, it is difficult for them to relay information about your status to multiple family members. The spokesperson you select is responsible for communicating to the rest of your family and friends.

In addition to your rights and responsibilities, UC Davis Medical Center encourages patients and their families to be aware of the following:

Advance directive

An advance health-care directive is a written document describing the treatment you want or don’t want to receive and/or designating a decision-maker. Upon admission to UC Davis Medical Center, you will be offered a written explanation of the advance health-care directive. You have the opportunity to complete and file an advance health-care directive if you are interested. If you already have an advance health-care directive, please provide your medical team with a copy.

Clinical research opportunities

Individuals today enjoy longer and healthier lives than ever before because of the knowledge gained through clinical research conducted at university hospitals like UC Davis. Clinical research conducted at UC Davis is reviewed by three Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), campus-wide committees of physicians, nurses, scientists and people from the local community that are established to protect the rights and welfare of research participants. Each IRB carefully reviews research studies before they are made available to patients and others. After the initial approval of a study and throughout its course, the board re-evaluates and monitors its progress to ensure that risks to participants are minimized, risks to participants are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits, the selection of participants is equitable, and that informed consent is adequate.

You may have the opportunity to participate in some of our clinical research. It is up to you. Participation is voluntary and does not affect the quality of your care in any way. If you decide to participate, our medical/research staff will fully explain the purposes and procedures. You may also be required to sign an informed consent form. You may withdraw from the research study at any time.

Bioethical issues

Bioethicists evaluate the ethical implications of patient care on an ongoing basis. UC Davis Medical Center has a Bioethics Consultation Committee available to assist your medical team if bioethical questions arise during the course of your care. Please talk with your medical team if you think an ethical problem has arisen. You also may contact a member of the committee directly by calling the hospital telephone operator.

Assistance during your stay

We encourage you to speak with your nurse, other members of your health-care team or the manager of the unit where you are staying should you have any questions, concerns or special requests while in the hospital. If you need additional assistance, please contact our Patient Relations staff at 916-734-9777 (4-9777 on a hospital phone).

Housekeeping

Internet access

If you have an approved laptop computer or handheld digital device with wireless capability, you may log on to the guest wireless service for free Internet access while you are in the hospital.

Meals

A dietetic assistant will help you with your meal selections within 24 hours of the time that your diet advances to a solid texture. Your meals are prepared in accordance with dietary guidelines as recommended by your registered dietitian and prescribed by your doctor. Meals meeting religious and cultural needs are also available.

Breakfast is served from 6:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 4:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. If permitted, you may request crackers, soup, milk and juices from your nurses throughout the day.

Pain management

Your nurse will ask you at regular intervals about your pain. Please let your nurse know if you are in pain so that he or she can work with you and your doctor to relieve it as quickly as possible and keep you comfortable.

Personal hygiene

We recognize that feeling fresh and clean is important. With your doctor’s approval and if you are able to walk and stand comfortably, you may shower. If you are unable to shower, you may use a bedside bathing kit. If you need assistance with any aspect of personal hygiene, please let your nurse know.

Telephone service

Your room is equipped with a direct- dial telephone. Family and friends can reach you between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. by calling the number posted in your room or by calling 916-734-3511 and asking for you by name. You may dial out 24 hours a day.

To place a call within the 916 area code, dial “9” and the seven-digit local number.

To call the 530 area code, dial 9-1-530 and the seven-digit number.

You may place a long-distance call by dialing “8” and the number for credit card calls or by dialing the 1-800 number for your long distance provider.

To call another department on our Sacramento campus, dial the last five digits of the phone number, either 3-xxxx or 4-xxxx.

The telephone lines in all patient rooms will accommodate a special-application telephone device, such as a TDD, a phone with headset, or a laptop computer.

For information on cell phone use, please see the general information and conveniences tab below.

Television

Television service is available 24 hours a day at no charge. A directory of network channels can be found in your room. Patient-education videos are available on demand. Out of consideration for your roommate or neighbors, we ask that you keep your television at a low volume.

You will only need essential items, such as sleepwear, slippers, toiletries and any equipment used in your care, such as crutches, prosthetics, a C-pap machine, hearing aids or eyeglasses while you are in the hospital. Please do not keep more than $5 with you in your room. Ask family members or friends to take home your jewelry, keys and other valuable items. For safety reasons, personal radios, hairdryers and other electronic devices should not be kept in your possession while in the hospital. The hospital is not responsible for lost or stolen items, such as laptops, iPads or cellular devices. Please provide your caregivers a list of all your medications, supplements or herbals (including dosages), your Living Will/Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare forms if you have them, and any physician orders or preadmission paperwork that was provided to you before admission to the hospital. While checking in at the admissions office, you will need to provide your insurance card and identification. Your information will be verified and any co-pay or deductible will be collected. You may be contacted prior to arrival if your insurance plan shows you will have a co-pay or deductible due at the time of service. At that time, you may provide your payment information, and your account will not be charged until you have checked in to the hospital. If you prefer, you may pay your co-pay/deductible when you check in with admissions.

We want you to take an active role in your safety. According to our policies, your caregivers will ask you for your name and birthday every time they care for you. We do this to make sure you have a safe outcome. Please review the below hospital safety policies and talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions.

All employees who come into contact with you should be wearing a photo identification badge with their name and job title. Feel free to ask to see the badge if it is not visible.

Please wear your patient identification wristband at all times and check to see that your name is spelled correctly. Hospital employees should always call you by your correct name.

Tell your physician and health care staff about food, latex, medication or other allergies you may have. Patients with medication allergies are given a red wristband.

Tell the staff about any medications you are taking, including prescriptions, vitamin supplements, herbals and over-the-counter medications.

As a patient at UC Davis Medical Center, you will benefit from the experience and expertise of a highly specialized health care team.Because the medical center is a teaching hospital dedicated to training the next generation of health care professionals, UC Davis provides academic instruction to men and women at various stages of their medical training. These individuals may be a part of your team, and your doctor may bring them to your bedside to teach them about the condition you have and care that is needed. This process of sharing knowledge, called “rounds,” is a routine part of medical training. You can use rounds as an opportunity to learn more about your condition.The members of your health care team can be identified by their badges — which always include their names, job titles and photographs — and also by the color of their uniforms. Registered nurses wear navy blue.

If you have questions about the role of any member of your care team, please ask. You have the right to know who is taking care of you.You are the most important member of your health care team, and you are encouraged to speak up to help prevent health care errors. For more information see Speak Up on pages 6 – 8.

Team members you will meet during your stay

Your attending physician

Your attending physician has primary responsibility for overseeing your care. He or she will visit you regularly to discuss your condition, assess your progress and direct the other members of your medical team.

Interns, residents, and fellows

Interns, residents, and fellows are medical school graduates who are completing additional training in a specific medical or surgical specialty. They may provide care under various levels of attending supervision.

Medical students

Students may be involved in your case as part of their clinical training.

Nurses

UC Davis Medical Center patients receive care from highly trained registered nurses, many of whom have advanced degrees and have obtained nursing specialty certification in their area of expertise. The medical center has achieved Magnet® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, considered the highest national honor for nursing excellence.

Nurse practitioners

A nurse practitioner may be a part of the medical team caring for you. As part of your treatment team, they can order medications, tests and treatments, and can answer many of your questions regarding your care.

Open communication between you and your health care team is essential to ensure the best possible care during your treatment. We encourage you to actively participate in every decision regarding your care and treatment plan. If you have any special needs, don’t hesitate to communicate them to a member of your team.

Ask questionsYour health care team will talk with you about your condition and go over your schedule of treatments or tests so that you know what is planned.We want you to have all the information you need to understand your condition and be able to help with your own care. Please ask questions about your health. This can help you make educated decisions and better deal with your condition.It is easy to forget what you have been told or lose track of questions you want to ask. We suggest you write down any questions as you think of them so you can ask them the next time you see your doctor or nurse.

Family spokespersonWe encourage you to ask a trusted family member or friend to help with communication during your stay at the hospital. This person may be valuable in keeping your family and friends informed on your progress.Because our staff provide care and attention to many patients at once, it is difficult for them to relay information about your status to multiple family members. The spokesperson you select is responsible for communicating to the rest of your family and friends.

Tell us how refer to youLet your team know what you would like to be called (whether it is Mr. or Mrs., a nickname, or even Rob instead of Robert).Know what procedures you have scheduled and make sure your health care providers tell you what they plan to do before you agree to a procedure.Please tell us if you ever think we may have you confused with another patient.When your providers enter the room, they will ask you your name and birthday so that we can be sure we have the right person. We have to do this for your safety, so please do not be alarmed if we ask you more than once.We also will check your wristband before you receive any medications, treatments or tests.

Call buttons, located around hospital beds, allow patients to access a caregiver directly when they need help.When the call button is pressed it signals to a health care staff member that you need help.Your health care team will check in regularly to address your needs and answer any questions you may have.However, should you require more immediate assistance please use the call button in your room.For example, if you require help getting out of bed or to the bathroom, press your call button. If it is not an urgent need, you may have to wait, as your caregivers may be helping other patients at the time. However, they will see you as soon as possible.

One of the ways we make sure all of your needs are being met is through “bedside reporting.” We call it that because your nurses will talk with you about your care in your room.

When your nurses are changing shifts, they will meet with you to:

Introduce your new nurse

Talk about what has been happening during your stay

Go over your treatment plan

Answer any questions you may have

Bedside reporting works because it is personal and increases your safety. It gives you and your family the chance to understand all that is happening and to be more involved in your care.

Before each bedside report:

Your nurses will ask you which members of your family or visitors may be present with you during the meeting. Personal and sensitive information may be discussed — including medical history, treatment plan, test results and diagnoses — so we want to make sure we are protecting your privacy.

Think about any concerns and questions you have and write them down.

Assistance during your stay

We encourage you to speak with your nurse, other members of your health care team or the manager of the unit where you are staying should you have any questions, concerns or special requests while in the hospital.If you need additional assistance, our Patient Relations staff and the Code Help hotline are also available options.For more information, see pages 7-8.

A special help hotline is also available for urgent matters; for more information, please see the welcome booklet you are provided upon admission to the hospital.

Unfortunately, you may have some pain while you are in the hospital. It isn’t always possible to take away all of your pain; a lot depends on your condition. However, we will do all we can to treat your pain safely so that you can be comfortable. This will help you function in a way that is right for you and help you heal more quickly.

Also, please tell us:

Where you feel the pain, how often you feel it and how long it lasts.

What the pain feels like — dull, sharp, cramping, throbbing, burning or stabbing.

What makes the pain feel better or worse.

If any pain medications have given you unacceptable side effects, such as constipation, nausea/vomiting, itching or extra sleepiness.

Which over-the-counter products, home remedies, herbal supplements, teas, vitamins, and other products you are taking.

What kind of pain you have had with past surgeries or hospital admissions.

What pain medications you have taken in the past week, months and year.

The name, prescription dosage, reason for taking and how much you actually take of ALL medications. (Please bring a list and leave the actual medications at home).

If you have ever had an allergic reaction (such as itching, raches or trouble breathing) to any medications.

Our pain relief plan for you is to:

Reach a level of comfort and function that is right for you.

Give you pain medication according to your needs.

Use other proven methods of pain relief, such as heat, ice, repositioning and massage.

Have a regular discussion about how the pain relief plan is working for you.

If you are experiencing pain, please speak up and notify a member of your health care team right away. Your nurse will ask you at regular intervals about your pain. Please let your nurse know if you are in pain so that he or she can work with you and your doctor to relieve it as quickly as possible and keep you comfortable.

Medications in the hospital

Medications can be an important part of your hospital stay. Feel free to ask questions about the medications you are given and possible side effects.

During your hospital stay, you should always ask three questions about your medications:

What are the name(s) of the medication(s)?

Why do I need to take it/them?

What are the possible side effects?

Please tell your nurse or doctor if you have any questions about your medications.

We recognize that feeling fresh and clean is important. With your doctor's approval and if you are able to walk and stand comfortably, you may shower. If you are unable to shower, you may use a bedside bathing kit. If you need assistance with any aspect of personal hygiene, please let your nurse know.

Upon arrival to your room, you will receive a kit that includes:

A washbasin

Facial tissue

Soap and soap dish

Toothbrush toothpaste

Comb

Hand lotion

Water pitcher and a plastic tote bag

You may ask your nurse for other personal-care items such as a razor and shaving cream, mouthwash, mirror, conditioner and powder.

Clean environment

All caregivers wash their hands or use waterless hand cleanser between patients and while doing different tasks for patients. We encourage you to ask your caregivers if they have washed their hands.A clean environment helps keep you safe as you recover. Your room and bathroom will be cleaned regularly, but the housekeeping staff will try not to disturb you. If you need anything cleaned up (for instance, if you spilled something), ask your nurse to contact the housekeeping staff.

Falls happen most often in unfamiliar places, such as a hospital room. You can be injured if you fall. Even if you are not at risk for falling, please let us help you when you need to walk or go to the bathroom. If you are at high risk for falling, we will give you a yellow wristband and provide extra help during your stay.

Here are some ways to reduce your risk of falling:

Call for help when you need to get up or go to the bathroom.

Do not try to get up and walk by yourself.

Keep all the items you need within your reach, including your call button.

If you cannot reach something, please call for help.

Always use your walker, cane, crutches, brace or any other devices you have.

Wear non-skid footwear, such as rubber-soled slippers or socks.

Go slowly when getting out of the bed or chair so that you don't get dizzy.

When you are in the bathroom, use the grab bars to help yourself sit and stand.

Make sure you know where the call button is located in the bathroom.

If your medicines make you sleepy, light headed, feeling sluggish or confused, it is okay to ask how to reduce these side effects, or ask if you can take another medicine.

If you fall:

Try to remain calm.

Call for help. If you are near a call button, please press it.

Don't get up, because you may be injured. Stay where you are and wait for help.

MealsA dietetic assistant will help you with your meal selections within 24 hours of the time that your diet advances to a solid texture. Your meals are prepared in accordance with dietary guidelines as recommended by your registered dietitian and prescribed by your doctor. Meals meeting religious and cultural needs are also available.Breakfast is generally served 6:45 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and dinner 4:45 to 7:30 p.m. If permitted, you may request crackers, soup, milk and juices from your nurses throughout the day.

CafeteriaVisitors are welcome to eat in the Pavilion Cafe in the first-floor main lobby area. Hours are generally from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., reopening from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. and again from 1 to 4 a.m. Breakfast is available 6 to 10 a.m.; lunch 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and dinner 4 to 8 p.m. Limited self-service is available at other times, including the late-night cafe hours. Vending machines are available on the first floor near the emergency department waiting area and on the third floor near the surgery reception waiting area.Patients are not permitted in the cafe, but any staff member, family member or volunteer may obtain food for them.

We understand your desire to have family and friends visit, but we also need to have an environment that supports healing and rest. There may be times when visitation may need to be limited, such as:

When you are having certain procedures.

When a visit interferes with your care or the care of the other patient in a shared room.

When a visitor is causing trouble.

When there are too many visitors in your room.

When there is a chance that you could pick up an infection from a visitor.

When a visitor could get an infection from you.

When you or your roommate needs privacy or rest.

If visitors must be limited, they can wait in the nearest family/guest lounge and take turns visiting you. Visitors may be asked to wait in the lounge when care is being provided to you or the other patient in a shared room.

Visitors must obtain and display temporary badges between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Obtain them at the ER lobby or the pavilion lobby information desk.

For more information about our visitor policies, please see our visitor information brochure or ask a nurse or staff member about our visitor policy (Policy 2878).

Pets and service animalsService animals are generally permitted. Visits by pets — all animals other than service animals — are permitted in some instances. Specific requirements apply to both. For information or questions, please ask our staff.

Many of our rooms are semi-private, with two patients in each room. Each patient has a phone, television and separate closet. There is a curtain that can be pulled for privacy.There can be a lot of hustle and bustle in the hospital and it can be noisy. Your team will try to limit noise as much as they can while you recover, especially at night.Let them know if it’s too loud for you and they’ll do what they can to reduce the noise.We follow “HUSH” (Help Us Support Healing) guidelines between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. to help you rest in a quiet environment:

An overhead announcement will let you know when the quiet hours begin.

Lights will be dimmed.

Your door will be closed with your permission, and we ask that you try not to play music too loud or watch TV too late at night, especially if you have a roommate. Ask if headphones are available for the TV.

Remind friends or family who visit to keep the noise level down, since others may be sleeping. Please avoid late night conversations or phone calls. Thank you for helping us make sure you and all other patients can get the rest they need.

We will limit nighttime interruptions as much as possible, but please understand that we will be checking on you during the night to make sure you are okay. In additions, it's sometimes necessary to wake you up during the early morning for a blood test so that your doctor has the test results early enough. That way, changes can be made to your treatment, if needed.

Cell phones and telephones

Cell phone use

Cell phone use is generally allowed except where signs or staff members indicate that phones must be turned off.While conversing on a cell phone, you must stay at least three feet away from all medical devices and patients connected to them. When restrictions are in place, the phone function must be fully powered off (not set to vibrate or silent mode), but you may continue to use Wi-Fi in airplane mode. Restrictions may change or be set on a case-by-case basis.

Telephone service

Your room is equipped with a direct-dial telephone. Family and friends can reach you between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. by calling the number posted in your room or by calling 916-734-3511 and asking for you by name. You may dial out 24 hours a day. The hospital operator can be reached at 916-734-2011 or by dialing “0” from a hospital phone.

To place a call within the 916 area code, dial "9" and the seven-digit local number.

You may place a long-distance call by dialing "8" and the number for credit card calls or by dialing the 1-800 number for your long-distance provider.

To call another department on our Sacramento campus, dial the last five digits of the phone number either 3-xxxx or 4-xxxx.

The telephone lines in all patient rooms will accommodate a special-application telephone device, such as TDD, a phone with headset or a laptop computer.

Television

Television service is available 24 hours a day at no charge. A directory of network channels can be found in your room. Patient-education videos are available on demand. Out of consideration of your roommate or neighbors, we ask that you keep your television at a low volume.

Clinical social workers are available to assist in the adjustment and impact of diagnosis and treatent of illness and injuries and to provide community resources, when appropriate. Patients and their families may request a social worker by asking their physician or nurse, or by calling 916-734-2583 (4-2583 on a hospital phone).

Pastoral services and meditation room/chapel

Chaplains are available 24 hours daily to provide pastoral care services and spiritual support to all. To contact a chaplain, call 916-734-3657 (4-3657 on a hospital phone), or call or text pager 916-816-7729 and leave a call-back number.

The Battistella Meditation Room/All-Faith Chapel on the first floor (shown above) is a quiet place to sit, relax and reflect. Page 916-816-7729 for details on regular and seasonal services and activities.

Security and police

Uniformed university police and security are on duty throughout the hospital 24 hours a day. If you see or hear anything that concerns you, please notify your nurse immediately.